EGAT - Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand

06/06/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/06/2023 02:18

EGAT promotes “Neutral Life” to tackle climate change, moving toward Carbon Neutrality

EGAT promotes "Neutral Life" to tackle climate change, moving toward Carbon Neutrality

6 June 2023

EGAT called for Thais to change their attitude and behavior to conserve energy, take care of environment, and reduce carbon emissions by starting from themselves, aiming to drive Thailand toward Carbon Neutrality, on World Earth Day 2023.

On June 1, 2023, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) organized "EGAT Environment Day 2023" on the occasion of World Earth Day, during May 29 - June 2, 2023, under the theme "Neutral Life." Its purpose was to raise awareness and understanding among the Thai people about energy and environment conservation, in order to achieve the country's goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2050. Held at EGAT Headquarters in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi province, the event was attended by environmental experts, academics, students, EGAT employees, and those interested.

Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, EGAT Governor, revealed that EGAT has been placing importance on taking care of environmental quality coupled with energy security, including using advanced technologies in electricity generation and ensuring environmental quality to be better than legal standards. Moreover, EGAT aims to raise awareness among Thai people about climate change by encouraging them to adopt new ways of thinking and behavior for a better environment. EGAT has set a goal to achieve Carbon Neutrality through "Triple S" strategy which is comprised of Sources Transformation: increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the generation mix, enhancing grid modernization, and studying alternative fuels for future use; Sink Co-Creation: increasing carbon absorption through One-Million-Rai Reforestation Project and the utilization of carbon capture technologies; and Support Measures Mechanism: conducting activities with social engagement in reducing carbon emissions, such as No. 5 Energy-saving Label Project and supporting the use of electric vehicles in the country. Furthermore, as EGAT is concerned about air pollution issues that impact the health of Thai people, EGAT is developing an air purifying tower using plasma technology to mitigate PM2.5, along with the development of "Sensor for All" application, connecting data from sensors installed in the areas of power plants, large factories, intersections, and popular tourist destinations in over 1,200 locations nationwide. This enables the public to plan their daily lives according to the air quality conditions.

For this year's highlights of EGAT's Environmental Day event, there was a panel discussion on the topic of "Adapting Lives toward Carbon Neutrality," attended by these following environmental experts.

Mr. Jirawat Ratisoonthorn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), revealed that Thailand has set targets to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) by 2030, Carbon Neutrality by 2050, and Net Zero Emissions by 2065. These targets are accelerated through four main approaches: policy and law, finance and investment, technology and innovation, and public participation, together with the development of carbon credit market mechanism.

Mr. Kiatchai Maitriwong, Executive Director of Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) revealed the fundamental concept of greenhouse gas management toward achieving the goal which includes 1) measuring gas emissions, 2) reducing carbon emissions and producing carbon credit by developing Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER), and 3) selling carbon credits in the carbon market. TGO also supports various sectors to achieve Carbon Neutrality.

Dr. Wit Sittivaekin, a host of The Standard Channel, stated that as a mass media, it is important to create understanding and awareness among the public so that they can access information and the issues related to climate change. This can be achieved by simplifying the information, informing the public about the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of each activity, and encouraging the public participation.

Mr. Tawatchai Sumranwanich, EGAT Assistant Governor - Power Plant Planning, added that everyone can contribute to achieving Carbon Neutrality through changing daily lifestyle using the four strategies: 1) turning off lights, 2) setting air conditioning temperature to 26 degrees Celsius, 3) unplugging electrical devices when not in use, and 4) using highly efficient electrical appliances with label No. 5.

In this event, other activities included the ceremony to receive Carbon Neutral Event Symbol from GTO Executive Director to acknowledge the offsetting of all greenhouse gas emissions of this event, the "Living Neutral Fair" featuring eco-friendly products and food of over 30 shops, recycling workshops, and carbon neutrality exhibition.